Latch for reusable paperboard boxes



April 1, 1958 A. J. BROWN LATCH FOR REUSABLE PAPERBOARIj BOXES Filed Oct. 28, r955v United States LATCH FOR REUSABLE PAPERBOARD "BOXES Arthur J. Brown, Flushing, N. Y., assignor to Pak-Rak Inc., New York, N. Y., acorporation of New York Application October 28, 1955, Serial No. 543,515

3 Claims. (Cl. 292-457) This invention relates generally to a closure device,

and more particularly to an improved latchconstruction however, come to be used 'for purposes where they are collapsed after use and then returned =to a distant point to be reset up and used. Furthermore, such containers are used as closets having a door-like. arrangement, as for example, in protecting clothing from moths and mildew. In the latter uses, it is desirable to have a low cost efiicient latch device, and it is among the objects of the present invention 'to provide the same.

Another "object herein lies in the provision of structure of the class described, which may 'be easily associated with the container by a relatively unskilled person using no tools.

Another object herein is the provision of improved combination container latch structure wherein the relatively stationary element is detachably engageable with the container in a non-rotating relationship.

A still further object herein lies in the provision of combination container and latch structure wherein a plurality of container closure elements may be selectively closed and latched in a quick and convenient manner.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that after use the latch structure may be completely disengaged from the container so that the container may be folded flat.

These objects and other incidental ends and advantages will more fully appear in the progress of this disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the severa views:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a latch showing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view corresponding generally to Figure 1, but showing the relatively movable latch element in an altered position thereof.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container of the collapsible paperboard type with the top or end flap in an elevated or open position showing the inner or rear portions of the latch of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view corresponding generally to Figure 3, but showing the upper or end flap in its closed position and the right-hand flap partially closed.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the next stage in closing, with the latch in a locked position.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view as seen from the plane 66 on Figure 5.

In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly:

2,328,990 Patented Apr. 1,, 1958 ice cost. The element 12 includes a base 18, preferably of H configuration including -.a central span and legs 21 to 24, inclusive. The outer terminals of the legs 21i-24 are provided with generally t-riangularly shaped perpendicularly arranged prongs 2528. The prongs are preferably of {a gross length substantially equal to the average thickness of .the paperboard of which the container, generally indicated by reference character 32,. is fabricated.

Extending perpendicularly from the span 20 is a post member 34 which is formed by a pair of fingers 36 and 37. The said fingers 36 and 37, joined by a pin 60, are preferably arcuate in cross section, the exterior surface thereof being substantially colineal with the edge of a first lrolez38 (Figure 3).

The movable element is prefer-ably fabricated from blanked and formed thin sheet steel or the like, and as viewed in Figure .2, is substantially U-shaped in cross section. The element -14-includes a main wall 40 and longitudinal flanges 41 and 42. The element 14 has a relatively outer end 44 and a relatively inner end 46. The flanges 41 and 42 are curved at the ends thereof and are provided with spaced and parallel "slots 48 and 50. The slots 48 and 50 are preferably slightly wider than the pin 60 which passes through said slots, :said flanges '41 and 42 being spaced from each "other a distance slightly less than the distance between the fingers 36 and 37. The slots 48 and St) taper toward the main wall 40 .at .a slight degree in the-direction of the outer end 44. The inner ends 58 and 59 of the slots 48 and 50 are provided with indentations which extend in the direction of the longitudinal edges of the flanges 41 and 42.

The post member 34, and particularly the fingers 36 and 37 thereof, are provided withopposed orifices 54 and of a size suitable to receive the securing element 16 which preferably takes the form of an ordinary cotter pm.

The container 32 may be of a well-known standard type, including a top or end flap 61, and side flaps 62 and 63. The flaps 62 and 63 are provided with second and third holes 64 and 65. The holes 38, 64 and 65 are so arranged that when the container 32 is in closed condition said holes become aligned.

By way of example, one mode of operation is here described. The collapsed container, not shown, is partially erect and the device 10 is passed through the hole 38 by first inserting the outer end 44. The device 10 is pushed on through until the prongs 25-28 enter the flap 61 and the forward surface of the base 18 contacts the surface of the flap.

Next, the securing element 16 is put in place, and this anchors the relatively stationary element upon the top flap. The legs of the cotter pin may be spread in the usual manner (Figure 4).

Next, the side flap 62 is swung about its fold 67, and the element 14 is pivoted about the pin 60 so that it may enter the hole 64. The side flap 62 is pushed toward the securing element 16 until it contacts the same.

Next, the element 14 is moved to the left from the position it occupies in Figure 4 so that the end 44 may enter the third hole 65. The side flap 63 is pushed about the fold 68 until it contacts the flap 62.

At this point, the element 14 will be disposed so that the pin 60 engages the outer ends 70 and 71 of the slots 48 and 50. Now the element 14 is rotated to the left, as viewed in Figure 2, about the pin 60, whereupon the curved edges of the flanges 41 and 42 at the inner end 46 of said element form cams 72 which put the post 34 under tension, compressing the three flaps 61, 62 and 63 between the base 18 and the movable element 14. Further compression is obtained by sliding the element 14 to the right until it reaches a position indicated in Figure where the compression of the flaps 61-63 is slightly relieved when the pin 60 snaps into the indentations-74. The. parts in the latched position will appear as seen in Figures 5 and 6. A a

As will, be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, the dimensions of the parts will vary with the thicknesses, resiliencies and compressibilities of the various container parts. Similarly, it is contemplated that where sufficient force is used, and the frangibility of the paperboard 30 is suitable, that the holes 38, 64 and 65 maybe formed by the end 44 acting as a piercing tool.

I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.

I claim:

1. A latch construction for use with a reusable paperboard container having closable flaps, said latch construction comprising: a base, a post member associated at a first end thereof with said base and adapted to project through an opening in a flap portion of said container, means including a cotter pin detachably engageable with said post means for maintaining said base in contact with a first surface of said flap portion, said means engaging a second oppositely disposed surface of said flap portion, and a movable element slideably and pivotally associated with said post member at a second end thereof.

2. A latch construction for use with a reusable paperboard container having closable flaps, said latch construction comprising: a base, a post member associated at a first end thereof with said base and adapted to project through an opening in a flap portion of said container, means detachably engageable with said post means for maintaining said base in contact with a first surface of said flap portion, said means engaging a second oppositely disposed surface of said flap portion and a movable element slideably and pivotally associated with said post member at a second end thereof; said base being of generally H-shaped configuration and including a central band having a pair of fingers extending laterally with respect to the principal axis of said central span, said fingers being bent through substantially a right angle to form said post member.

3. A latch construction for use with a reusable paper board container having closable flaps, said latch construction comprising: a base, a post member associated at a first end thereof with said base and adapted to project through an opening in a flap portion of said container, means including a cotter pin detachably engageable with said post means -for maintaining said base in contact with a first surface of said flap portion, said means engaging a second oppositely disposed surface of said flap portion, and a movable element slideably and pivotally associated with said post member at a second end thereof; said base being of generally H-shaped configuration and including a central band having a pair of fingers extending laterally with respect to the principal axis of said central span, said fingers being bent through substantially a right angle to form said post member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 975,266 McKitrick Nov. 8, 1910 1,301,310 Paroubek Apr. 22, 1919 1,650,454 Langan Nov. 22, 1927 FOREIGN PATENTS 680,850 Great Britain Oct. 15, 1952 

